Full of Thanks

I think it's so great when we all come together & discuss the same thing. Especially when we're on the subject of being thankful! There's a sense of unity & connection that I just love. I've been really enjoying everyone's Facebook statuses & Tweets about what they are thankful for. It's neat to all be focused on the wonderful people & blessings in our lives, isn't it? I've read everything from, "I'm so thankful for my family" to "I'm thankful for our soldiers", all the way to "I'm thankful for chocolate...of any kind". I'm thankful for all of the above! And sure, that last one may have been mine, but I am. No really.

I have so much to be thankful for. This year has been amazing. Not without it's challenges. But amazing. As I write this, my sweet little 3 month old is cooing away in her little swing, just telling me all sorts of stories. Her face lights up when our dog walks by or she hears something familiar. Oh Jesus, thank you for her. She is my heart.

Every thanksgiving season I always see Philippians 4:6 at some point. Whether it's in an email, on Facebook or in a card. I love it. It always reminds me of how my husband & I began learning what true thankfulness looks like during the first year we were married. What an awesome verse. And what a gift it's been to learn this with my best friend. He's pretty great. And extremely good looking. Lord, thank you for his good looks. I never tire of looking at him. Oh yeah, his personality, tenderness & humor too. But back to his good looks. I totally caught myself checking him out the other day. All I could think about was, "Dang. That is all mine. I'm so making out with him later." Happy thanksgiving to me. C'mon now, I'm married. It's so legal.

Philippians 4:6&7 says,

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

We went from being thankful for the good days, to being thankful for the good in every day. And there sure is a very big difference between the two! Even in times of pain, uncertainty or confusion, there is always something greater & good to be thankful for. This is not always easy to do & the Lord knows it doesn't always come naturally for me, but I'm thankful that my God is patient with me as I continue to learn & practice this truth. I'm in awe of you who continue to show me what this looks like on a grander scale. There are those of you in my life that have had major tragedy happen and remain thankful for God's goodness & faithfulness. You bless me & everyone around you. And I'm thankful for the examples you are! I'm thankful for the women who have & continued to pour into my life!

I'm also so very grateful for the sweet, peaceful seasons of rest & renewal too! Our God is a good God. He is just as present on our sad days as He is on our happy ones.

Above all, I am thankful that God that loves me! And I am thankful that that love is so great for me that He offers us the gift of salvation. Freely. No strings attached. Our forever. All we have to do is accept it! That's a pretty good deal, right?

My God is good. He is my Salvation. And I declare my God as faithful!